Method and apparatus for removing standing water from flat and contoured surfaces

ABSTRACT

A water-wiping apparatus for wiping standing water from a curved surface has a flexible panel of a first height, with an upper long edge of a first length and a lower long edge of a second length, greater than the first length, the upper long edge centered on the length of the lower long edge, a substantially rigid handle having a length substantially equal to the first length attached along the upper long edge, and a lip formed along the lower edge, extending to one side of the flexible panel and ending in a sharp line at the end away from the flexible panel.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED DOCUMENTS

The present patent application is continuation in part of applicationSer. No. 10/254,295, filed on Sep. 24, 2002 abandoned. The presentapplication is related to application Ser. No. 09/501,352, filed on Feb.09, 2000, Ser. No. 09/205,420, filed on Dec. 04, 1998 U.S. Pat. No.6,243,911, Ser. No. 09/059,661 filed on Apr. 13, 1998 U.S. Pat. No.6,126,756 and Ser. No. 08/859,836, filed on May 16, 1997 U.S. Pat. No.5,920,947.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is in the field of car-wash accessories andpertains more particularly to hand-held devices used for removingstanding water from, and applying spray-on wax to automobiles and othervehicles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

One of the largest and most lucrative product markets in the UnitedStates involves cosmetic accessories for automobiles and light trucks.There are literally thousands of products available that are dedicatedto enhancing the cosmetic appearance of a consumer's pride and joy,namely, his automobile. From products that add luster to an expensivepaint job, to products that add sparkle to chrome, all one has to do isvisit a local parts store to see discover a broad range of suchinnovative products.

One category of products possibly containing the least variety fromwhich to choose is car-wash products. Car-wash accessories known in theart include special towels for removing water and drying automobilefinishes after a car-wash, or chamois cloths for absorption of excesswater and the like. Other products in this category include automatedhot-air blowers for quick drying the automobile finish, or varioushand-held cloth or synthetic pads for rubbing excess water off of anautomobiles finish.

Bottled solutions or treatments are sometimes employed as aids toreducing spotting or staining of automobiles finish often resulting fromstanding water. The type of water used in washing a car plays a part inpossible spotting or staining that may be present on an automobilesfinish after a wash. For example, if the water is very hard (has a lotof dissolved minerals) minerals, resultant spotting can be extreme;whereas, if the water is softer, spotting may be lessened. These bottledsolutions or pastes are designed to reduce spotting via theirinteraction with the water itself

Further to the above, many professional detailers offer full-servicehand washing and regular wash programs. One of the advantages of thistype of service for the customer is that the vehicle is cleaned with adetailer's touch, which tends to be much more thorough than a standardcar wash. One of the most useful products used by a professionaldetailer is a chemical/liquid spray-on wax product. Such multi-purposeproducts may be used for adding extra gloss to the finish of a vehicleafter a full-service wash, for example, or for touching up the finish ofthe vehicle after an exterior detail job, showroom wiping anddry-washing.

Spray-on waxes were originally developed for the show vehicle industry,allowing technicians to quickly wipe dust and fingerprints off of thevehicles on display or in long-term storage. If the vehicle is neverexposed to any substantial amount of direct sunlight, then theprotection provided by occasional spray waxing is often sufficient.Spray waxes also provide the consumer with many similar advantages, oneof which is providing a quick way to accomplish light surface cleaningof the vehicle's finish, such as removing dust and fingerprints, and soon.

Most spray waxes also have a high silicone content which helps to hideminor surface imperfections such as micro-scratches and the typicalmethod of application, simply spraying on and wiping off, allowsdetailers and consumers alike to do all of this very quickly. Theprotective wax or silicone elements in typical spray-on products aresolid in nature and are suspended in the water-based or chemical-basedsolution after thorough mixing of the product, and in general, the moresolids to spray-on wax contains, the more cleaning and protective powerto product will have. Higher solid content, however, also means that thespray-on wax will be more difficult to buff off using the conventionalmeans of application and wiping off with a cloth or chamois.

An advantage for consumers in using such spray-on wax products is thatthe vehicle receives a protective coating that lasts typically one totwo weeks, and the consumer is not required to pay the substantial costof a complete exterior detail job. Properly applied, the application ofspray-on wax products provides a finish on the vehicle which appearsmuch shinier, with less visible micro-scratches, then it would if it wassimply washed and dried.

Most spray-on cleaning and waxing products on the market today aresimply water-based chemicals with a mild cleaning ability providing oneto two weeks of protective value for the paint of the vehicle. Othersare solvent-based and thus provide slightly more cleaning and protectiveabilities. Many manufacturers now carry a liquid spray wax designed justfor cleaning the surface finish of the vehicle without water, the ideabeing that if the vehicle is not extensively dirty or muddy, a detailercan spray the dry-wash liquid directly onto the vehicle surface and wipeit off with a cloth or chamois, removing both the cleaner and any dirtthat is on the surface. Such dry-washing products are usually the mosteffective cleaners and provide the longest protective durability, oftenlasting up to several months. Many dry-wash products also containstronger protective elements, when compared to standard spray-onwax/cleaning products, some even containing an added liquefied polymersealant, providing a protective durability that can range from severalweeks to several months.

At the time of this patent application the most successful (leastdamaging) method known in the art for removing standing water from anautomobile finish, and evenly distributing and wiping spray-onwax/cleaning products is likely the time-tested chamois. The chamois isa highly flexible section of treated animal skin that has a largeabsorption capability. The chamois is typically used just after theautomobile has been rinsed. It is laid out on the surface and pulled inthe direction of the user for removing standing water, and, in the caseof spreading and buffing of sprayed-on wax, or similar spray-onproducts, is wiped in a back and forth or circular pattern inalternating directions.

Although the chamois cloth is widely accepted as a viable method forremoving standing water and wiping sprayed-on wax products as describedabove, there are some inherent problems and limitations associated withits use. Because of the chamois cloth's persistent adhesion to a wetsurface, moving the chamois from side to side, or at directions awayfrom the user, such as when wiping sprayed-on wax products, isrelatively difficult. The chamois cloth has a tendency to fold or rollunder itself if it is not being pulled directly toward the user. Thisdrawback limits accessibility to areas that may need to be wiped.Another problem is that, while a chamois is very successful in absorbingstanding water and spreading spray-on wax, the chamois must be wrung outwhen it is loaded with water and/or spray-on wax products, and suchcloths are difficult to wring.

Because of these difficulties several chamois cloths must often be usedto completely remove standing water or other liquid materials from avehicle finish. Although the chamois is very soft and generally harmlessto a paint job or finish, it is possible that unseen dirt or particlesleft over from the car-wash process get lodged in the chamois and cancause scratches when the chamois is pulled across, or otherwise wipedacross the surface of an automobile This can be particularly disturbingfor those who own expensive show cars that support special auto paintsthat may be susceptible to scratching.

Moreover, if a spray-on wax is applied to the wet surfaces of thevehicle just after washing, or is applied to a dry just-washed surface,a first cloth or chamois (or set thereof) is required for spreading thesprayed-on wax product, which may be mixed with the standing water (ornot, in the case of dry-washing/waxing), and a second set ofcloths/chamois is required to finally wipe and buff the waxed finish toa shine.

It is well-known in the art that a typical painted surface of a vehicle,although it may appear perfectly smooth to the naked eye, is actuallyquite porous, containing many tiny pores in the form of valleys andcrevices. This is especially apparent when the painted surface is viewedunder very high magnification. An inherent problem in using a cloth orchamois for spreading and buffing spray-on wax products is that, sincethe wiping and buffing, process must typically occur very quickly afterapplication of the spray-on wax because of rapid evaporation of the verythin layer of water and/or carrier solution, the protective wax solidswhich are suspended in the carrier solution do not have the opportunityto settle into the pores, and also are not effectively forced into theporous surfaces of the paint surface by the wiping action of a cloth orchamois. Many of the tiny wax solids will tend to be collected by thecloth or chamois instead of desirably being forced into the pores andthereby creating a glossier finish.

Other types of cloths are available and well known in the art, such asre-washable towels that are sold in most auto-care shops. The absorptionqualities, as well as the scratch resistant properties of these productstypically vary. These towel-type products are generally intended forusers who expect marginal results and are not overly concerned with thecosmetic appearance of their automobiles. Similarly, hand-held pads ofthe type made out of synthetic fiber vary in their absorption quality,as well as scratch resistant properties. While hand-held pads provide aconvenient place for a user's hand (usually straps on the top surface),they do little else to improve the technology of water removal or evenlydistributing spray-on wax products and enabling the wax solids to morecompletely fill the tiny pores of the paint.

It is well known in the art that some products with rubber-like blades,such as squeegees and windshield wipers, work fairly well removing waterfrom a flat or slightly curved surface. These devices, however, are notwell adapted to removal of standing water from automobile bodies,because they cannot conform to the sometimes radical and compoundcurvature of an automobile body. Moreover, many body panels for vehiclessuch as trucks and airplanes have uneven surfaces, such as broken byrivet heads and the like, and also by intentional functional orornamental patterns. One such pattern is a diamond shape panel that iswell-known in the art and used for truck trailers and the like. Wipersare not known in the art that are efficient in removing standing waterfrom such surfaces.

Air blowers are sometimes employed to evaporate standing water dropletson a surface. This method is most used in automated car washes and thelike; and it is well known in the art that an automobile owner concernedwith the cosmetic appeal of his or her vehicle would not, under normalcircumstances, patronize a commercial auto-wash. Moreover, air blowersof the type that are hand-held are typically difficult because they arecumbersome, awkward, and rather heavy to hold for the time it takes todry a car body. Furthermore, power cords can get in the way whileworking on an automobile surface, and cause scratches and other damageas well. In addition, electricity and or battery costs may be adeterrent to those having to wash multiple automobiles such as would bethe case with a car dealership, etc.

What is clearly needed is a method and apparatus for removing standingwater from surfaces that is adapted to conform around the sometimescompound and radical curvature of the outer surface of the bodies ofautomobiles, trucks, boats, airplanes and many other types of vehiclesurfaces, as well as other such finished surfaces having similarlycompound and radical curvature, bumps, rivet heads and other suchprotrusions from surfaces to be dried, and is at the same time gentle tosurface finishes, easy to use, inexpensive, and durable. Such anapparatus is further provided with a grasping handle that provides acomfortable and natural grip posture for the user, while at the sametime providing a secure and slip-resistant gripping surface enabling theuser to securely and comfortably grasp the apparatus, particularlyuseful when the surface of the gripping portion of a handle of theapparatus is wet with water or slippery automotive cleaning or waxproducts. The method and apparatus in various embodiments is alsoenabled for evenly spreading spray-on wax or other such vehicle finishproducts that are sprayed on a wet or dry just-washed painted surface,while significantly improving the application of the distributed wax orother such solids down into the pores of the paint. It is to theseobjects and others that the present invention is dedicated, andapparatus and methods are taught herein in enabling detail foraccomplishing these ends.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention a water-wipingapparatus for wiping standing water from a curved surface is provided,comprising a flexible panel of a first height, with an upper long edgeof a first length and a lower long edge of a second length, greater thanthe first length, the upper long edge centered on the length of thelower long edge, a substantially rigid handle having a lengthsubstantially equal to the first length attached along the upper longedge, and a lip formed along the lower edge, extending to one side ofthe flexible panel and ending in a sharp line at the end away from theflexible panel. Also in a preferred the lip has a triangularcross-section in a plane cutting the panel orthogonal to the length andparallel to the height, and in some embodiments the lip preferably joinsthe flexible panel at an angle equal or less than thirty degrees.

In some embodiments each end of the upper long edge of the flexiblepanel is joined to the closest end of the lower long edge by a smooth,curved shape, the shape mirrored at each end of the panel. Also in someembodiments the handle is symmetrical about a central plane common tothe panel, and has two sides corresponding to opposite sides of thepanel, further comprising an upper and a lower longitudinal ridge oneach side of the handle, the ridges spaced apart to form a longitudinalgroove to engage a user's fingers or thumb, providing a sure grip forthe user on the handle. In some cases the lip extends to both sides ofthe flexible panel.

In some preferred embodiments the upper longitudinal ridge on each sideof the handle extends from the central plane of symmetry to a greaterextent than does the lower longitudinal ridge, and in some embodimentsthe handle further comprises an interface for attaching a handleextension. In yet other embodiments the opposite ends of the handle arerounded, presenting a substantially curved outward surface toward theends of the apparatus, to avoid damaging contact with surfaces beingwiped.

In another aspect of the invention a blade insert for a water-wipingapparatus is provided, comprising a flexible panel of a first height,with an upper long edge of a first length and a lower long edge of asecond length, greater than the first length, the upper long edgecentered on the length of the lower long edge, a handle interface alongthe upper long edge adapted to join the flexible panel to a rigidhandle, and a lip formed along the lower edge, extending to one side ofthe flexible panel and ending in a sharp line at the end away from theflexible panel.

In some embodiments of the blade insert has a triangular cross-sectionin a plane cutting the panel orthogonal to the length and parallel tothe height, and in some embodiments the lip joins the flexible panel atan angle equal or less than thirty degrees. Also in some embodimentseach end of the upper long edge of the flexible panel is joined to theclosest end of the lower long edge by a smooth, curved shape, the shapemirrored at each end of the panel. In some cases the lip extends to bothsides of the flexible panel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a perspective exploded view of a hand-held water blade in anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a broken view of a water blade insert in an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 3 is a cross section view of the water blade insert of FIG. 2 takenalong section line 3—3 of FIG. 2 in an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the water blade of FIG. 1 applied to acurved surface, with the blade just touching the surface.

FIG. 4B is a view of the blade and surface of FIG. 4A from a differentvantage.

FIG. 4C is a perspective view of the blade of FIGS. 4a and 4B with theblade urged into the surface.

FIG. 4D is a view of the blade and surface of FIG. 4C from a differentvantage.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment according tothe invention, including a molded passage and insert for a rigid handle.

FIG. 5B is a perspective view of a two-part molded blade and handleaccording to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an end view of the lip area of the water blade of FIG. 1according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the water blade of FIG. 1 displacingwater from a diamond plate surface according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 7B is an elevation view of the water blade and diamond plate ofFIG. 7A.

FIG. 8A is an end view of a lip design according to another embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 8B is an end view of a lip design according to yet anotherembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8C is an end view of a lip design according to still anotherembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an end view of yet another embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 10A is an end view of the lip area of a water blade elementaccording to an embodiment of the present invention, applied to asurface upon which a spray-on wax has been applied, with one lip urgedinto the surface.

FIG. 10B is an end view of the lip area and surface of FIG. 10A, withwater and spray-on wax, enlarged to show greater detail.

FIG. 11A is an elevation view of a hand-held water blade according to analternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11B is a top view of the water blade of FIG. 11A.

FIG. 11C is a section view of the water blade of FIG. 11B taken alongsection line 11C—11C of FIG. 11B.

FIG. 12A is an elevation view of a hand-held water blade according to analternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12B is a top view of the hand-held water blade of FIG. 12A.

FIG. 12C is a section view of the water blade of FIG. 12B taken alongsection line 12C—12C of FIG. 12B.

FIG. 13 is an elevation view of a hand-held water blade according to analternative embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 is a perspective exploded view of a hand-held water blade 11 inan embodiment of the present invention, illustrating three main elementsof the assembly of water blade 11. A two-part handle consists of a firstsection 15 adapted to fasten to a second section 17 with a blade insert13 captured between the handle sections. With the handle sections joinedand the blade captured, a functioning water blade 11 is formed. In apreferred embodiment of the present invention, handle sections 15 and 17are molded from polypropylene in an injection molding process. Injectionmolding is well known in the art of fabricating various plastics and isconsidered by the inventor, in this instance, to be a preferred processfor manufacturing water blade 11. In other embodiments, otherfabrication methods may be employed such as gluing various partstogether, or perhaps plastic welding techniques may be employed. It willbe apparent to one with skill in the art that various materials may beused to fabricate handle sections 15 and 17 such as Delrin, nylon, andothers. Metals, wood, and the like may be used in other embodiments.

A T-shaped top portion 18 is provided in blade insert 13 whereinopposite sides of the “T” fit snugly into opposite blade slots providedin handle sections 17 and 15. A blade retaining slot 12 is shown inhandle section 15, and a similar slot is provided in section 17, thoughnot shown in FIG. 1.

Handle sections 15 and 17 are designed to fit together to form a handlegrip that retains the wiper blade, is comfortable to hold, and is oflight weight. In a preferred embodiment, special texture areas areprovided around the outer edges of each handle section, although this isnot required. Recesses may be molded into handle sections 15 and 17 forthe purpose of supporting decals, logos, and the like.

In the embodiment shown a method is provided for attachment of handlesections 15 and 17 whereby handle section 15 has assembly brackets suchas bracket 14 that are designed to accept rivets such as rivet 19 thatare to be inserted through access points shown in handle section 17,such as the access point shown roughly in line with rivet 19 and bracket14 illustrated by the directional arrows. Bracket 14 may be formed inthe molding process or may be mounted to handle section 15 aftermolding. Bracket 14 may be fabricated from aluminum, sheet metal, or anyother suitable material known in the art and of suitable strength toprovide a secure attachment.

In the embodiment shown by FIG. 1 the method of attachment is riveting.However, other methods of attachment may be used as well, such asscrews, snap inserts and the like. In another embodiment there may be nobrackets or recesses but rather grooves provided and adapted for theinstallation of outer snap rings. It will be apparent to one with skillin the art that many methods, well known in the art, may be employed forattaching handle sections together without departing from the spirit andscope of the present invention as described above. In still otherembodiments a one-piece handle may be provided with a T-slot adapted toengage T-section 18 of blade 13, wherein the blade may be threaded intothe slot of the one-piece handle. An advantage in this embodiment isthat there is no need for separate sections or fasteners. In still otherembodiments handles may be formed in other ways, ad some of these otherways are described in more detail below.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention length dimension D1is about 12 inches, width dimension D2 is approximately ⅞ of an inch,and height dimension D3 is approximately 1¼ of an inch. It will beapparent to one with skill in the art that dimensions with respect tolength, width, and height of the grip handle formed by handle sections15 and 17 may vary. For example, handles of different sizes may beprovided along with blades of different sizes for use under certaincircumstances. Large sizes for large trucks and trailers, for example,and smaller models for such as compact cars FIG. 2 is a broken elevationview of blade insert 13 of FIG. 1 in an embodiment of the presentinvention showing approximate dimensions and various molded features,some of which are important to unique functionality of wiper blades inembodiments of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a section view of bladeinsert 13 taken along section lines 3-3 of FIG. 2 wherein furtherdimensioning is illustrated.

A lip region 21 is provided along the longitudinal bottom edge of bladeinsert 13 with lip elements extending laterally from the bottom edge.This lip region may be formed in several different ways in differentembodiments of the invention. In a preferred embodiment the lip regionis formed at an angle from the blade element as described below in moredetail.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention blade insert 13 ismolded from a silicon rubber material via injection molding process forsimilar reasons stated as stated above with respect to the molding ofhandle sections 17 and 15. It will be apparent to one with skill in theart that blade insert 13 may be molded from other materials known in theart and of suitable flexibility. In this instant embodiment, theinventor prefers silicon rubber with a flexibility rating ofapproximately 30 to 70 durometer, depending on thickness of the blade.The flexibility of blade insert 13 can be more or less than 30 to 70durometer, depending on a number of factors that also affectfunctionality, such as blade thickness, taper, grooving, blade height,and the like.

A unique and critical function provided by unique characteristics ofblade insert 13 is its capability of conforming around sometimescompound and/or radical curves in the body of an automobile, such as ina fender section. It is an object of the present invention is to providefor eliminating standing water in these areas in a safe and efficientmanner. This unique capability is made possible in part by theapproximate dimensional proportions of blade insert 13 with respect tolength and height.

Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, blade 13 has a height D4 that is asignificant fraction of length D1. The ability of blade 13 to formaround curved surfaces in wiping water from such surfaces is largely dueto the height of the blade relative to the length, and this feature isenlarged upon below. In one preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, D12, which is the effective height of the blade extendingfrom a handle, is about 2½ inches. This dimension is the free flexibleheight from bottom of blade insert 13 to the bottom of the grip handleformed by handle sections 15 and 17 of FIG. 1. In this embodiment D1 isabout 12 inches. The ratio of free height to length in this case isabout 0.21, or about 20 twenty percent. The inventor has discoveredempirically that this ratio need to be about ten percent or more for thewater blade to be really useful for automobiles with considerable curvedsurfaces.

It will be understood that D1 is used in this embodiment both as thelength of the handle sections and the wiper blade, as the lengths aresubstantially the same. In some other embodiments handle elements andwiper blades will be of different dimensions. It is been found byexperiment that in this embodiment, the dimensions 2.5 inches for heightD12 and 12 inches for D1, with a thickness of material of approximately{fraction (3/16)} of an inch produces a useful and preferable result. Inother embodiments wherein the overall dimensions of water blade 11 arelarger or smaller, a material with a more suitable hardness and perhapsthickness may be employed to aid in achieving desirable flexingproperties of water blade 11.

Providing a significant height for blade insert 13 increases the area ofcontact around a curved automobiles surface such as a fender, and thelike. The ratio of height to length of blade insert 13 is important tothe function of water blades in various embodiments of the presentinvention, and will be described in more detail in below.

Another important characteristic in blade insert 13 is a capability todirect standing water from a surface and to move it in an efficientmanner whereby virtually no water residue remains behind on theautomobile surface. This directing effect is accomplished by lip 21which is formed along the longitudinal bottom edge of blade insert 13and extends in the embodiment shown in the form of a tapered angle oneither side. Angled lip 21 produces a rolling action to the water andforces it to ride up on the angled surface of the lip effectivelyseparating the water from the surface of the automobile. It is known tothe inventor that some windshield wiper blades incorporate a similardesign, and it is well known in the art that this design is effective inremoving standing water.

The angled lip characteristic is unique in conjunction with the heightof the blade, in providing a lipped blade with an ability to conform tocompound and radical curves in the surface of an automobile.

In the embodiment shown in the figures a series of molded indentions isprovided along the length of blade insert 13. The object of theseindentions is to minimize the amount of material required to mold bladeinsert 13. It is known in the art that silicon rubber is relativelyexpensive when compared to other materials, therefore, considerablesavings can be realized by employing such material reducing techniques.In the embodiment shown these indentions are equally spacedapproximately ½ inch (D13) from center line to center, for 24indentions. The uniform height of these indentions is approximately 1⅞inches (D11), and the dimension from the bottom of the indentions to thebottom of blade insert 13 is approximately ½ of an inch (D10).

Even though indentions as described immediately above may be used forsaving weight and material volume, in most preferred embodiments thesides of blade 13 are smooth, rather than grooved, and the inventor hasfound that the smooth embodiment actually provides enhanced water-wipingfunction compared to blades with the grooved surface.

A groove 25 is shown running the entire length of blade insert 13.Groove 25, described briefly with reference to FIG. 1, is formed aroundthe perimeter of blade insert 13, providing the shape of T-section 18.These grooves provide a secure locking arrangement when handle sections15 and 17 of FIG. 1 are closed, thereby stopping blade insert 13 frommoving up or down with respect to the grip handle.

The overall thickness of blade insert 13 is approximately ½ of an inch(D5). A minor thickness of blade insert 13 shown from the insidediameter of T-slot 25 and extending down to the upper shoulder of angledlip 21 is approximately {fraction (3/16)} of an inch (D6). Overallheight of blade insert 13 is approximately 2 and ⅞ inches (D4). Thewidth of grooves 25 of and the height of angled lip 21 are approximately⅛ of an inch (D7 and D8 respectively). The approximate angle of angledlip 21 in the preferred embodiment shown is 30 degrees (A1). In someembodiments the angle at which lip 21 joins the body of the blade isdifferent, and in some embodiments the lip may be on one side only. Theinventor has found that a sharp edge at the end of lip 21 provides asuperior wiping action.

Various dimensions as described herein are approximate only and aremeant to illustrate preferred size relationships of features of bladeinsert 13 in a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It will beapparent to one with skill in the art that many changes can be made withrespect to dimensioning water blade 11 without departing from the spiritand scope of the present invention. For example, a larger water blademay be used on a larger vehicle such as a semi-trailer rig and so on. Inone embodiment a water blade with an added height to its blade insertmay be used, for example, if a particular type of vehicle contains morecurved features that are pronounced.

FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate the unique action of water blade 13 in conformingto a curved surface 29. FIG. 4A illustrates a section view of a curvedsurface, which could be the curvature of a fender, and a water blade 11including a rigid handle positioned so that lip 21 is just in contactwith the curved surface, but flexible blade element 13 is not deformed.FIG. 4B is a view in the direction of arrow 27 of FIG. 4A, showing waterblade 11 in contact with curved surface with blade element 13 notdeformed. In this example, the contact of the blade element with thesurface is just a narrow line. This is the situation that will alwaysexist with a blade having little or no height D12 (FIG. 2).

FIG. 4C is the same section view of a curved surface 29 as shown in FIG.4a, with water blade 11 in contact with surface 29, and FIG. 4D is aview in the direction of arrow 31. In this example, blade 11 has beenrotated somewhat around the longitudinal axis of the handle, and theblade has been urged toward curved surface 29 in the direction of arrow33. This movement is applied by a user holding the blade in his or herhand.

The result of moving the water blade into surface 29 is deformation ofblade element 11, bringing the sharp edge of lip region 21 into contactwith the surface, and causing flexible blade element 13 to wrap aroundthe curvature of the surface to a significant degree. In this example,width of the contact area (FIG. 4C) is from point 35 to point 37. Thesignificantly wide contact line around the curvature of the surface is aresult of the height D12 (FIG. 2) of flexible blade element 13.

The arc length that may be accomplished by blade element 13 around acurved surface in practicing the present invention is a function of boththe height of the blade element and the curvature of the surface. Assurface curvature may be varied and compound, rather than simple, thecalculations can be complex. A simplified example is given here assumingthat the curvature is circular of radius R.

Given radius R for the curvature of the surface, and a height H fordimension D12 of blade element 13, and assuming that the water blade isurged into the curved surface until the handle is proximate the surface(which is a max situation, not actually encountered in practice), theangle α can be determined by the formula:

sin α=(R−H)/R

The potential length of the contact line to the curved surface frompoint 35 to point 37 in this situation can then be calculated as thatportion of the circumference of a circle of radius R subtended by twicethe angle α taken around the center of the curvature.

It is apparent in the above analysis that for the potential length ofthe contact line to be realized, the overall length of the flexibleblade element must be at least equal to the potential length. If thelength of the blade element is more than the potential contact length,then part of the blade element will not make contact, as is shown inFIG. 4C. As is described above, in the preferred embodiment shown, theheight of the blade element is about 3 inches, and the length is about12 inches. This relationship has been found by the inventor to be usefulfor most automobile bodies.

It will be apparent to those with skill in the art that there are manyalterations that might be made in the embodiments shown and describedwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Inthe area of handle provision for water blades in particular, manyvariations have been developed. FIG. 5A is a perspective view of onesuch alternative embodiment. In FIG. 5A a water blade 39 according to anembodiment of the present invention is molded from material such assilicone material of a single durometer, and a handle portion 41 ismolded integrally from the same material. In the molding process alengthwise passage 43 opening to either or both ends is molded into thewater blade. After molding a rigid stiffener 45 of about the length ofthe water blade is inserted into the lengthwise passage, and providesrigidity and the function of the rigid handle added according to FIG. 1.

FIG. 5B shows yet another handle alternative for a water blade 47. Inthe embodiment of FIG. 5B material of two different durometers aremolded in one mold. A blade region 49 is molded of a material softenough for the needed flexibility, and a more rigid material is moldedas a handle region 51. Procedures for such molding are well-known 1 theart.

Effective Water Removal (Displacement) over Rivets and other Projections

In another aspect of the invention, the lip area of water blade insert13, shown as element 21 in FIG. 1, is especially implemented to providefor effective water removal (displacement) when used on surfaces thathave projections emanating from the surface, such as rivet heads, raisedornamental patterns, and the like.

FIG. 6 is an exploded and broken view of lip 21 of water blade insert 13of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention whereinlip 21 is not orthogonal to the height of the blade, but at other than aright angle.

It was mentioned above that some windshield wiper blades, known to theinventor, have lip regions that are similar in design to lip 21 of FIG.1, and are known to be effective for removing standing water. However,it is also known and accepted in the art that a windshield wiper islimited by design and rigidity of material in that it is effective for aslightly curved and smooth surface such as a windshield. It was alsomentioned above that the shape of lip 21 combined with the height ofblade insert 13 is unique in it's ability to conform to and remove waterfrom compound and radical curves in the surface of an automobile. Thisunique capability of water removal inherent to lip 21, as previouslytaught, is not limited only to contours and curves such as are common tosurfaces of automobiles, trucks and other vehicles, but also extends, insome embodiments, to projections from surfaces as found in rivets,diamond plate, and other ornamental features found on some automobilesurfaces, airplane surfaces, truck surfaces, and many other likesurfaces that may or may not be associated with a type of vehicle, as istaught below.

The flexing capabilities of blade insert 13 and lip 21 also play a majorroll in the ability of water blade 11 to remove water from moredifficult surfaces such as surfaces exhibiting rivet heads, diamondpattern, and so forth. For example, with the applied action of waterblade 11 over a given surface that may be contoured and have a raisedpattern such as a diamond head pattern, blade insert 13 will conform tothe contour while the contact side of lip 21 will conform to and aroundthe edges of the diamond pattern effectively removing water. Lip 21, forexample, may be specially designed with the required length (extensionfrom the body of blade 13) for extending more than the total raisedheight of an ornamental pattern or an array of rivets and so on.

The inventor has discovered that an important factor in the ability of alip, such as lip 21, to conform to raised elements in a surface to bewiped, such as rivet heads and diamond patterns mentioned, is theincluded angle of the lip at the apex of the lip. Depending on thenature of the raised surface to be wiped, the angle needs to be 30degrees or less. In some cases the angle needs to be no more than 20degrees. The actual angle that works in some cases is a function also ofthe length of the lip from the body of the wiper blade, and of theflexibility (softness) of the material of the lip. For a simple lip ofsubstantially triangular shape, an extension from the body of about{fraction (3/16)} inches, and a durometer of about 30, an angle of frombetween 10 and 20 degrees is best. An included angle of more than 30degrees is not very useful, and the angle needs to be less than thirtydegrees.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the water blade of FIG. 1 removing(displacing) water from a surface having rivet-head projectionsaccording to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment,a user urges water blade 11 across a surface 61 having projecting rivetheads 63 in the direction of the arrows while, at the same time, keepinga sufficient downward force on surface 61 to cause the lip to conform tothe shape of the raised rivet heads. As one side (contact side) of lip21 passes over a rivet head 63, the flexible material conforms to theshape of each of the raised regions. In this fashion, water is displacedfrom all areas exposed to lip 21 including regions in between raisedrivet heads of surface 61.

FIG. 7B is an elevation view of water blade 11 and rivet-studded surface61 of FIG. 7A. When viewing water blade 11 and surface 61 in thedirection of motion as indicated by the directional arrows of FIG. 7A,one can see how tightly lip 21 conforms around raised regions such asthose present on surface 61. This unique ability is due to theflexibility of the material and design of lip 21 wherein sufficientlength and flexibility is provided for conforming around such shapes. Itwill be apparent to the skilled artisan that one angular side or potionof lip 21 may be formed of a substantially greater length than theopposing side so that dual use is provided to water blade 11 withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Forexample, one side having a longer extension may be used for surfaceshaving raised regions while the opposing shorter side is used for smoothsurfaces and so on. In alternative embodiments alternate designs areprovided to the lip section of blade 11 to conform to even more complexsurface features as taught below.

FIG. 8A is an end view of a lip shape according to another embodiment ofthe present invention. In this example, a lip section 65 is forcedhaving a v shape configuration on each opposing end. As is the case withlip 21 of FIG. 1, the v form is made to extend along the longitudinaledge of blade insert 13 of FIG. 1. This v formation produces adouble-edge effect providing a second swipe at a surface during oneinitial pass of water blade 11.

FIG. 8B is an end view of a lip design according to yet anotherembodiment of the present invention. In this example, a lip section 67is formed having a v shape similar to lip 65 of FIG. 8A accept that theopposing formations are much closer together. Such a formation may beused, for example, when raised areas or portions of a surface are notparticularly high therefore not requiring substantial length with regardto lip formation.

FIG. 8C is an end view of a lip design according to still anotherembodiment of the present invention. In this example, a lip 69 is formedhaving a half-moon shape on opposing ends and a substantially straightbridge connecting the half-moon shapes to each other. As with theprevious two examples, there are now two swiping edges that are able tomake contact with a surface during one pass with blade 11. A formationsuch as seen in this embodiment may be useful for a surface that has aseries of rounded rows forming a ribbed surface. The formation shownhere would allow bi-directional motion of water blade 11 such as acrossthe rows and down the rows wherein water removal is successful in eitherdirection.

FIG. 9 is an end view of yet another, and simpler, embodiment of thepresent invention. In this embodiment the lip is a simple straightprojection forming an orthogonal T-bar at the bottom of blade 13, theT-bar having essentially constant wall thickness.

Effective Spray-on Wax Application Using Water Blade

In another aspect of the present invention the water wiping apparatusdescribed above in various embodiments provides an effective means forapplying spray-on wax or other such finishing products that are sprayedon to a just-washed painted surface. It is an object of the presentinvention, as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 10A, to provide animproved method and apparatus for evenly spreading spray-on wax or othersuch vehicle finish products that are sprayed on a wet or dryjust-washed painted surface, while significantly improving theapplication of the distributed spray-on wax or other such spray-onfinishing products to the surface. It must be noted, however, that theinvention is in no way limited to automotive paint, and the inventionmay be practiced in various embodiments on a variety of surfaces ontowhich a spray-on finishing product, such as spray-on wax, may beapplied.

The improved method and apparatus according to a preferred embodiment ofthe present invention, as is described below in enabling detail, is bestpracticed on a substantially flat painted surface. However, variousalternative embodiments of the invention, as described above utilizingdifferent shapes and styles in the lip area of the wiper blade insert,may be used for effectively applying a spray-on finishing product tocurved or contoured services, or other services not substantially flat,and also to surfaces is having projections emanating from the surface,such as rivet heads, raised ornamental patterns, and the like.

FIG. 10A is an end view of the lip area of a water blade elementaccording to an embodiment of the present invention, as described indetail above, applied to a painted surface with one lip urged into thesurface. Blade element 101, similar to that of FIG. 1, is shown in thisview having a lip region 103, lip region 103 provided in this embodimentalong the longitudinal bottom edge of blade element 101. In thepreferred embodiment shown blade element 101 is molded or otherwiseformed from a silicon rubber material, but it will be apparent to oneskilled in the art however that blade element 101 may be manufacturedfrom other materials having similar suitable flexibility and resilience.

In the embodiment shown in this view, a surface 105 is illustrated whichrepresents the outer surface of a portion of the body of a vehicle beingdetailed, which is covered with a layer of typical automotive paint,onto the surface of which an aspect of the present invention, as will bedescribed below in detail, is practiced. Surface 105 in the embodimentshown is a typical layering of automotive paint, but may also be of avariety of different paint types applied using various known methods.

As is well-known in the art, a typical painted surface of a vehicle,although appearing substantially smooth and glossy to the naked eye whenthe paint is properly applied, is actually quite porous, comprising amultitude of tiny pores in the form of valleys and crevices. Such asurface is especially apparent when the painted surface is viewed undervery high magnification. A plurality of pores 107 indicate such a poroussurface in the present illustration, however pores 107 are greatlyenlarged in this view, relative to blade element 101 and surface 105,for the purpose of illustration.

Surface 105 in the embodiment shown is a just-washed painted surface onwhich a portion of the water used in washing the surface remains, Aspreviously mentioned, however, in practicing the present invention inalternative embodiments it is not required that the just-washed surfaceof the paint still be wet from the washing. As is typical in the art ofdetailing an automotive painted finish, the spray-on wax product, orother spray-on finishing product is applied to the wet surface of thepaint by spraying just after washing the surface, before the remainingwater droplets have evaporated. It is desirable that the spray-on wax orother finishing product sprayed onto the wet surface is mixed with theremaining water droplets on the painted surface, such that dispersion ofthe wax product is enhanced by virtue of the remaining water. Droplets109 in the embodiment shown represent the remaining water from thewashing, mixed with a spray-on wax product that has been sprayed on thewet surface of surface 105. Although detail is not explicitly shown inthis view, solid elements of the spray-on wax product or other finishingproduct are suspended along with the carrier for the spray-on waxproduct within the remaining water droplets 109 on surface 105. Muchgreater detail of such suspended wax solids within the remaining waterdroplets, as well as the tiny crevices and valleys forming the porouspainted surface are shown in a subsequent illustration, FIG. 10B.

In practice of the present invention in the embodiment shown in FIG.10A, blade element 101, with lip portion 103 urged against surface 105,is drawn horizontally in the direction indicated, with consistentdownward pressure applied to blade element 101 as indicated by thedownward directional arrow. Blade element 101, as shown in the view, isdisposed at an angle such that when drawn horizontally across surface105 with slight downward pressure applied to blade element 101, lipportion 103 bends slightly backward trailing behind blade element 101,and skims surface 105 for the purpose of dispersing (removing) much ofthe remaining water in droplets 109, as described above for previousembodiments, but at the same time applying the solid wax products withindroplets 109 to surface 105, such that a much greater portion of thesolid wax products within droplets 109 are applied and settled intopores 107 of surface 105, when compared to conventional methods ofwiping the droplets of water and wax using sets of wiping cloths orchamois.

FIG. 10B is an end view of lip portion 103 and surface 105 of FIG. 10A,enlarged to show greater detail of pores 107 and the mixture of waterand wax solids remaining on the surface. The tiny crevices and valleysforming pores 107, which, as described above, are typical of automotivepaint, are clearly illustrated in this view, creating the porousqualities of surface 105. It is noted, however, that the illustration of105 and pores 107 is exemplary only, and may or may not represent theactual appearance of such pores in an actual surface coated withautomotive paint. The inventor deems the exemplary illustration assufficient, however, to depict the microscopic pores 107 and practice ofthe present invention.

As detailed in the previous illustration FIG. 10A, lip portion 103 isdrawn horizontally as indicated by the directional arrow, across surface105, with slight downward pressure applied as indicated to lip portion103, thereby urging the lower tip of lip portion 103 down onto surface105. As described above with reference to previous illustrationsdepicting removing of standing water from the painted surface using thewiper blade of the present invention, the wiping action utilized in thepresent illustration for removing standing water and applying spray-onwax is the same.

Forward of lip portion 103 there is a mixture 111 of water and waxsolids comprising water 117, which is the remaining water on thejust-washed surface 105, and wax solids 113 which have been sprayed,along with the carrier solution (not shown), onto surface 105 just afterwashing. As detailed in this view, a portion of the wax solids 113 ofmixture 111 are still suspended in water 117, and a portion of solids113 have settled into pores 107. Mixture 111 is moved by the forwardhorizontal motion of lip portion 103 across surface 105, and creates amixing action for water 117 and wax solids 113 as it is drawnhorizontally at the proper angle with slight downward pressure, asshown, across surface 105. Lip portion 103, as described above inprevious embodiments, disperses (removes) a substantial portion of theremaining wash water and carrier solution on surface 105 and tends toforce a substantial portion of wax solids 113 into pores 107.

The resulting layer of wax solids, which is now evenly distributedacross surface 105, even if the wax solution was sprayed on unevenly,remains behind lip portion 103 to form a desired smooth protective andspecular wax finish on surface 105 as shown, substantially filling theuneven surface and pores 107 of surface 105. The resulting finishappears to be smoother and much shinier to the naked eye when comparedto a conventional finish utilizing sets of common wiping cloths orchamois for wiping the water/wax mixture after washing of the surface,as in conventional detailing using spray-on wax products.

As previously described, practice of the invention does not require thatwater droplets remain on the just-washed surface. Some spray-on waxproducts are solvent-based, instead of water-based, and may contain amuch higher proportion of wax solids to carrier solution, and thusprovide somewhat more protective abilities to the surface beingdetailed. Many liquid spray wax products are designed just for touch-upwaxing of the surface finish of the vehicle without using water at all,the idea being that if the surface to be detailed is substantially freeof dirt particles and already has a base wax which has been previouslyapplied, a detailer can spray the dry-wax liquid directly onto thevehicle surface, and utilize the wiper blade of the present invention asdescribed above to evenly disperse the wax solids of the spray-onproduct over the painted surface. In such a way porousness of thesurface being detailed is further reduced by virtue of the wax solids ofthe spray-on product being forced into the tiny crevices of the paintedsurface, over the previous wax solids that are already in the crevicesby virtue of the previous wax application. A much smoother surface isthereby created which appears much shinier to the naked eye afterapplication utilizing the wiper blade of the present invention asdescribed above. Such dry-washing products usually provide the longestprotective durability, often lasting up to several months. Many dry-washproducts on the market today also contain stronger protective elements,when compared to standard spray-on wax/cleaning products, some evencontaining an added liquefied polymer sealant, providing a furtherenhanced protective durability that can range from several weeks toseveral months.

Alternative Handle and Wiper Blade Sizes and Shapes

In other examples of alternative embodiments of a hand held water bladedevice for removing standing water from, or applying various finishingproducts to a vehicle surface, handles of various sizes and shapes, andlarger or smaller wiper blade inserts, as well as different aspectratios of length to height, will be desirable for certain situations.

FIG. 11A is an elevation view of a hand-held water blade according to analternative embodiment of the present invention. Water blade 121 isprovided with a two-part handle 122 consisting of a first section 124adapted to fasten to a second section 126 (not shown), capturing a wiperblade insert 129 between the fastened handle sections, thereby forming afunctioning water blade 121. The second handle section 126 issubsequently illustrated in FIG. 11B and 11C. Handle sections 124 and126 are molded from polypropylene, or other similar plasticized materialin an injection molding process, similarly to handles for water blade 11of FIG. 1.

In the embodiment shown, handle sections 124 and 126 are affixed to oneanother capturing blade insert 129, utilizing, in one embodiment, aplurality of plastic rivets 133 affixed using a plastic weldingtechnique, rivets 133 strategically located along the length of handle122 to provide a secure attachment between the two handle sections,while minimizing undue flexing of the assembled handle 122. In analternative embodiment however, as noted previously for otherembodiments illustrated and described herein, other fabrication methodsmay be employed such as gluing the handle sections together, utilizingscrews or metal rivets, or attaching handle sections together using aplastic welding technique without the use of rivets screws and the like.Handle 122, in other alternative embodiment may be molded as a singlepiece, the blade inserted along a slot at the bottom of the handle, forexample. Additionally other materials, plasticized or not, may be usedto fabricating handle sections 124 and 126 without departing from thescope and spirit of the invention.

Water blade 121 is of similar overall form and function to water blade11 of FIG. 1, with notable differences, however, in the actual shape,size and form of the handle, as well as that of the blade insert, toprovide special and optimized functionality. Handle 122 in theembodiment illustrated is provided with a rounded upper ridge portion125 and a rounded lower ridge portion 127, protruding laterally from theside of each of handle sections 124 and 126, and extending substantiallyalong the length of each handle section, thereby forming a valleyportion in between the ridges along the length of handle 122. Thisrecessed portion provides for a better grip without it being necessaryto partially grip the blade insert.

Upper ridge portion 125 in a preferred embodiment has a length dimensionD14 equal to about 8¾ inches, and extends laterally from the side ofeach handle section approximately twice the distance of that of lowerridge portion 127. Lower ridge portion 127 has a length dimensionapproximately equal to that of handle 122, which is approximately 9¾inches, represented in the illustration by dimension D15. The upper andlower ridge portions provide the user with a comfortable and secure gripfor water blade 121. Upper ridge portion 125 provides the majority ofthe grasp area for the user's hand, with the user's thumb and fingerspreferably resting on and slightly urged into the sides of the handlebetween the upper and lower ridge portions. As will be further detailedbelow, lower ridge portion 127 in a preferred embodiment protrudeslaterally from the sides of handle 122 to an extend that helps preventthe user's thumb or fingers from inadvertently slipping down from thehandle onto the blade insert, during use of blade 121, but also isshallow enough wherein the user may also easily extend the thumb or anynumber of the fingers downward from between the upper and lower ridgeportions 125 and 127, while still grasping and using water blade 121, inorder to manually press blade insert 129 into recessed areas of asurface to be dried, or shape the blade insert around various odd shapesof protrusions on the surface, for example.

The grip is further enhanced for handle sections 124 and 126 by theplurality of rivets 133 on either side, and a pair of protruding ridges135 which are along the length between upper ridge 125 and lower ridge127. In this manner the user is enabled to grasp handle 122 in a varietyof positions along the length of handle 122, while always maintaining asecure grip. Although it is not illustrated in this particular example,other embodiments of the present invention may have a textured surfaceover the upper and lower ridge portions, as well as over the flat valleysection between the ridges and/or over the surfaces of the rivets 133 orridges 135 between the upper and lower ridge portions, or mayalternatively utilize a succession of raised ribs, bumps, and so on,over the surfaces to further enhance the user's grip.

Elongated through-openings 131 are provided for water blade 121, locatednear each opposite and of handle 122, for the purpose of hanging waterblade 121 on such as a tool hook, peg, nail, or other similar hangingapparatus, so as to provide convenient storage for water blade 121 whilepreventing the blade insert from resting on any surface when water blade121 is not in use, which may over a sustained period of time maypossibly deform, or otherwise damage blade insert 129.

In addition to the features described just above for handle 122, theends of the handle are now well rounded toward the length direction ofthe handle and assembles water-wiper blade. The purpose of this roundingis to provide for a soft effect in use, such that inadvertent contactwith a surface being wiped will be over a broad surface area of thehandle, rather than a sharp edge or point. Such contact is discouraged,of course, but in, frequent use, nearly certain to happen. The rounded“soft” handle helps greatly to avoid marking a finished surface.

In addition to notable differences described above in handle 122, ascompared with the handle of water blade 11 of FIG. 1, blade insert 129itself also has a distinct difference in height, shape, and aspectratios for length to height with respect to the overall dimensions ofwater blade 121. Blade insert 129 is formed similarly to blade insert 13of FIG. 1, from a silicon rubber material by an injection moldingprocess, and is also similar in flexibility rating, which in alternativeembodiments may be more or less than the preferred 30 to 70 durometer,depending on a number of factors that also effect functionality, such asblade thickness, taper, blade height, and so on.

Blade insert 129 has various dimensions and molded features, several ofwhich are important to unique functionality of wiper blade's inembodiments of the present invention. For example, blade insert 129 hasa lip region 130 provided along the longitudinal bottom edge of bladeinsert 129, with lip elements extending laterally from the bottom edge,and also has a groove (not shown) formed around the upper perimeter ofblade insert 129 providing a T-section portion enabling a secure lockingarrangement when handle sections 124 and 126 are closed, therebypreventing blade insert 129 from moving back and forth with respect tothe grip handle.

Notable differences, however, between blade insert 129 of the presentembodiment and blade insert 13 of water blade 11 of FIG. 1, include theoverall shape of blade insert 129, particularly at the ends, and thelength of blade 129 with respect to that of handle portion 122. Asdescribed and illustrated previously, blade insert 13 for water blade 11of FIG. 1, is rectangular in shape and substantially equal in length tothe handle portion, whereas blade insert 129 of the present embodimentis substantially greater in length than the handle portion. The lengthdimension of the lower lip portion of the blade insert, which isdirectly related to the water displacement capability per stroke duringuse of the water blade having a rectangular blade insert, is equal tothe handle length.

Handle portion 122 of the illustrated embodiment has an overall lengthof approximately 9¾ inches, which is represented in the illustration bydimension D15, whereas blade insert 129 has an overall length at thelower lip portion of approximately 11 inches, represented by dimensionD16. Each outer edge of blade 129 has a curved portion 132 extendingdownward beginning at the bottom of each opposite end of handle 122, andcurving downward, outward and then downward again thereby providing theincreased length at the lower lip portion 130. The resulting bladelength to handle length ratio of water blade 121 provides asignificantly increased water displacement capability per stroke duringuse, while saving labor and raw materials in the manufacture of thehandle, as a handle may be significantly shorter in comparison to thelength of lip portion 130, or dimension D16. A handle of smaller handleto blade length ratio, such as handle 122, will also be of asignificantly lighter weight thereby furthering ease-of-use.

There is another significant purpose to the additional length of theblade as opposed to the handle, and that is the fact of furtherdisplacing the handle in use from the finished surfaces being wiped, andreducing the probability that the handle might inadvertently contactthose surfaces, perhaps leaving a mark. So, the shorter handle (asopposed to blade length) and the rounded shape at the handle ends bothcontribute to the “soft” aspect of this water wiper blade in embodimentsof the present invention.

Downward pressure is evenly distributed along the entire length of lipportion 130 due to the consistency in the resilience, or durometer ofthe silicon material of blade insert 129 along its length, and thedownwardly and outwardly curved outer ends 132 of blade insert 129,which are shaped such that the downward force of the handle during useis applied equally to the center portion and outer tips of lip portion130, as well as all points in between.

FIG. 11B is a top view of water blade 121 of FIG. 11A. Handle sections124 and 126 are shown fitted together as previously described forminghandle 122, with blade insert 129 captured between handle sections 124and 126, the outer ends of which are shown continuing out from thefurthest outward ends of lower ridge 127. Handle sections 124 and 126each have a downward curvature in the surface beginning where eachsection meets at the top, such that when fitted together a slightlyrounded upper surface is formed in handle 122, which when combined withthe curvature of upper ridges of each handle section 124 and 126, acomfortable yet secure grip is provided to the user.

Width dimension D17 for handle 122, in a preferred embodiment as shown,is approximately 1-⅛ inches, and, as illustrated in FIG. 11C, the heightdimension D29 for upper ridge portion 125, is approximately ¼ inch, andthe overall high dimension D18 for handle 122 is approximately 1-¼inches. The resulting semi-oval shape and circumference of the upper andlower portions of handle 122 form a handle shape which has beenempirically determined by the inventor to provide an ideal combinationof comfort and grip for the specific type of dual-ridge handle shape ofthe preferred embodiment. It will be apparent to one with skill and art,however, that the dimensions with respect to length, width and height ofthe grip handle formed by handle sections 124 and 126 may vary somewhatwithout departing from the unique aspects of the outer shape of handle122 formed by sections 124 and 126.

FIG. 11C is a section view of water blade 121 of FIG. 11B taken alongsection line 11C—11C of FIG. 11B. The outer curved shape of upper ridgeportions 125 and lower ridge portions 127 of each handle section 124 and126 form a valley area between them, clearly illustrated now in thisview. In the present embodiment the method of attachment for a handlesections is plastic-welded riveting. Rivets 133 are shown in this viewattaching one handle section to the other, and the rivet heads are seenprotruding slightly out from the sides of handle sections 124 and 126.The plastic rivet heads may be positioned, textured or otherwise adaptedfor providing additional gripping capability for handle 122. Aspreviously noted, however, a variety of methods may be utilized forattachment of handle sections 124 and 126, such as brackets in onehandle section for accepting rivets or screws or some other commonfastener inserted through access points in the opposite handle section,for example.

In this view the approximate dimensions of some of the various moldedfeatures of blade insert 129, some of which are important to the uniquefunctionality of wiper blades in embodiments of the present invention.Blade insert 129 is similar in overall design and functionality to blade13 of FIG. 1, having a lower lip portion having lip elements extendinglaterally from the bottom edge, which engage the surface to the dried,and an upper T-portion (partially shown) providing a groove along thelength of blade insert 129 for attachment to handle sections 124 and126.

Water blade 121 in a preferred embodiment is compact, lightweight andadapted for substantial water displacement capability relative to handlesize due to the shape of the wiper blade insert. The ability of waterblade 121, due to its shorter overall length, to be highly maneuverableover certain contours in surfaces to be dried, while maintaining theexcellent water displacement capacity and sufficient downward force forthe lip portion of the blade insert, is largely due to the height of theblade relative to the length as illustrated herein. As mentioned aboverelative to FIG. 11A, blade insert 129 has a height dimension D19 ofapproximately 1-{fraction (5/16)}″, which is the effective free flexibleheight from the bottom of blade insert 129 to the bottom of the griphandle formed by handle sections 124 and 126. Length dimension D16 ofblade 129 is approximately 11 inches. The main body of blade insert 129has a thickness, represented by dimension D25, of approximately ⅛″ to{fraction (3/16)} inch. The ratio of free height to length to thicknessof the material of blade insert 129, in this embodiment, is that whichhas been empirically discovered by the inventor to provide the bestcombination for usefulness in a smaller, lightweight hand-held waterblade such as described herein, when used for dispersing water from,and/or applying products to certain contours and shapes of automotive orother such surfaces.

FIG. 12A is an elevation view of a hand-held water blade according toyet another alternative embodiment of the present invention. Water blade141 in the embodiment presented, has a handle 142 which is somewhatshorter than previous embodiments described, having a dimension D21which equals approximately 12 inches, and utilizes a rectangular bladeinsert 149 having the same length dimension as handle 142. Blade insert149, however, has a higher height to length aspect ratio, providing theuser with the ability to displace water from the surface of a particulartype of vehicle, for example, which contains many more curved featuresthat are pronounced.

Water blade 141 comprises a handle 142 formed by attaching two moldedplastic handle sections 144 and 146, which are adapted to be fittedtogether while securing blade insert 149 between them, similarly toembodiments previously described. In the elevation view of FIG. 12A,however, only handle section 144 is shown. The method of attachment inthe embodiment illustrated also utilizes a plurality of brackets in onehandle section (not shown) for attaching rivets or screws, accessed viaa plurality of through openings 153 in handle section 144. The method ofattachment of the handle sections, however, may vary as describedpreviously for other embodiments.

Handle 142 in this embodiment also comprises a plurality of raised ribsextending lengthwise along each molded handle section, and strategicallylocated around the curved sides of each handle section providing theuser with an enhanced grip around an assembled handle 142. In addition,each handle section comprises raised protrusions having a flat uppersurface extending laterally to the length of handle 142, located neareither end of the handle sections, and optionally elsewhere as well,such that when the handle sections are fitted together, flat protrusions145 or formed which enable the user, when not using water blade 141, torest water blade 141 upside down on a flat, level surface, supported byflat protrusions 145. In this manner, lip portion 150 of blade insert149 is protected from damage or de-formation which may otherwise occurif water blade 141 is left to rest on its side on the surface.Protrusions 145 have a secondary purpose, which is that they serve as ananti-slip feature for interfacing to a slip-on handle adapter, whichallows a user to add a handle extension to the water blade, to be ableto use the water blade on very large vehicles.

FIG. 12B is a top view of water blade 141 of FIG. 12A, illustrating thepair of molded handle sections 144 and 146 fitted together according toan embodiment of present invention. Handle 142 is formed by attachinghandle sections to each other as previously described for otherembodiments, having a width dimension D17 equaling approximately 1¾inches, a dimension empirically determined by the inventor to be idealfor the type and shape of handle 142 for providing a most comfortableand secure grip.

Gripping ribs 147 are shown extending along the length of each handlesection providing an enhanced gripping surface for handle 142, and theflat protrusions 145 near each end of handle 142 are clearly visible onthe top surface of handle 142. Through openings 153 of handle section144 for accessing mounting brackets (not shown) handle section 146 haveslight indentations into the body of handle section 144, which providesthe user with a more comfortable grip over the openings and may alsoenhance the user's grip by allowing the user to anchor finger or thumbwhile gripping.

FIG. 12C is a section view of water blade 141 of FIG. 12B taken alongsection line 12C—12C of FIG. 12B. The curved bell-shape formed by theattached handle sections 144 and 146 can be clearly seen in this view,as can the raised gripping ribs 147 on each handle section, and the flatsurface protrusion 145 formed on the top of the handle. The handleformed by handle sections 144 and 146 has a height dimension D23equaling approximately 1⅜ inches.

Blade insert 129, has mean material thickness of approximately ⅛ inch,represented by dimension D26, and as mentioned above, has a greaterheight to length aspect ratio for displacing water from surfaces havingmany more pronounced curvatures and features, having a height dimensionD24 equaling approximately 2¼ inches. A significantly greater contactarea width line around the curvature of the surface, an automobilefender, for example, is the result of height D24 of blade element 129.

FIG. 13 is an elevation view of a band-held water blade according to yetanother alternative embodiment of the present invention. Water blade 161has a handle 162 comprising a pair of attach handle sections, one ofwhich, handle section 164, is shown in this elevation view. Water blade161 is similar in form and function to water blade 141 of FIGS. 12A-12C,with the except ion that the length of the handle and blade insert aregreater with respect to height, than previous embodiments, for thepurpose of enabling the user to achieve a much wider contact line on asurface from which water is dispersed during use of water blade 141.Water blade 141 is best suited for displacing maximum amounts of waterfrom large surface areas with less pronounced curvature and surfacefeatures, in a single stroke.

Handle 162 has a length dimension D22 of approximately 15½ inches, andhas a height dimension D37 of approximately 1¾ inches equal to that ofhandle 142 of FIG. 12, and also has a similar outside shape when thehandle sections are attached together, securing blade insert 169. Also,similarly to handle 142 of FIG. 12, a plurality of raised grasping ribs167 are also provided along the length of handle 162, as well as aplurality of through openings 173 for fastener access, and flatprotrusions 165 on the top of handle 162 for standing water blade 161upside down on a flat surface when water blade 161 is not in use.

Blade insert 169 attaches to handle 122, and has a lower lip portion 160similar to embodiments previously described, however, blade insert 169is substantially greater in length, having a length dimension D23 ofapproximately 18 inches in this embodiment. At either end of bladeinsert 169 is a curved portion which extends outwardly from each end ofhandle 162 and then curves downward to lip portion 160, extendingoutward from each end of handle 162 to a distance of approximately 1¼inches, represented by dimension D29. The resulting blade length tohandle length ratio of water blade 161 provides a significantlyincreased water disbursement capability per stroke during use, anddownward pressure from handle 162 is evenly distributed along the entirelength of lip portion 160 during use due to the consistency in theresilience, or durometer of the silicon material of blade insert 169along its length, and the downwardly and outwardly curved outer ends ofblade insert 169, which are shaped such that the downward force of thehandle during use is applied equally to the center portion and outertips of lip portion 160, as well as all points in between.

It will be apparent to one with skill in the art that examples shown anddescribed herein are merely a few of many possible handle, blade insertand blade lip-design variations that may be implemented withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the present invention to providefor conforming to complicated shapes on surfaces to be processed with awiper blade as taught herein.

In another example of alternative embodiments, larger or smaller waterblades may be desirable for certain situations. For example, largerblades may be provided for use with large vehicles, such astractor/trailer rigs and the like, or for vans and other trucks. In someembodiments, especially for use with large vehicles or other entitieswith large body areas, interfaces may be provided for handle extensionsand the like, to allow a user to present the blade to otherwisehard-to-reach areas. Such interfaces might include such as ball andsocket joints for flexibility in positioning a water blade inrelationship to a handle.

As another example, many different materials could be used in thefabrication of a water blade in different embodiments. In otherembodiments blade inserts may be of differing heights and lengths andmay be sold separately to be inserted into one handle grip and so forth.The breadth of the present invention is limited only by the claims thatfollow.

What is claimed is:
 1. A water-wiping apparatus for wiping standingwater from a curved surface, comprising: a flexible panel of a firstheight, with an upper long edge of a first length and a lower long edgeof a second length, greater than the first length, the upper long edgecentered on the length of the lower long edge; a substantially rigidhandle having a length substantially equal to the first length attachedalong the upper long edge; and a lip formed along the lower edge,extending to one side of the flexible panel and ending in a sharp lineat the end away from the flexible panel: wherein each end of the upperlong edge of the flexible panel is joined to the closest end of thelower long edge by a smooth, curved shape, convex relative to theflexible panel in at least a portion, the shape mirrored at each end ofthe panel.
 2. The water-wiping apparatus of claim 1 wherein the lip hasa triangular cross-section in a plane cutting the panel orthogonal tothe length and parallel to the height.
 3. The water-wiping apparatus ofclaim 2 wherein the lip joins the flexible panel at an angle equal orless than thirty degrees.
 4. The water-wiping apparatus of claim 1wherein the handle is symmetrical about a central plane common to thepanel, and has two sides corresponding to opposite sides of the panel,further comprising an upper and a lower longitudinal ridge on each sideof the handle, the ridges spaced apart to form a longitudinal groove toengage a user's fingers or thumb, providing a sure grip for the user onthe handle.
 5. The water-wiping apparatus of claim 4 wherein the upperlongitudinal ridge on each side of the handle extends from the centralplane of symmetry to a greater extent than does the lower longitudinalridge.
 6. The water-wiping apparatus of claim 1 wherein the lip extendsto both sides of the flexible panel.
 7. The water-wiping apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the handle further comprises an interface for attachinga handle extension.
 8. The water-wiping apparatus of claim 1 wherein theopposite ends of the handle are rounded, presenting a substantiallycurved outward surface toward the ends of the apparatus.
 9. A bladeinsert for a water-wiping apparatus comprising: a flexible panel of afirst height, with an upper long edge of a first length and a lower longedge of a second length, greater than the first length, the upper longedge centered on the length of the lower long edge; a handle interfacealong the upper long edge adapted to join the flexible panel to a rigidhandle; and a lip formed along the lower edge, extending to one side ofthe flexible panel and ending in a sharp line at the end away from theflexible panel; wherein each end of the upper long edge of the flexiblepanel is joined to the closest end of the lower long edge by a smooth,curved shape, convex relative to the flexible panel in at least aportion, the shape mirrored at each end of the panel.
 10. The bladeinsert of claim 9 wherein the lip has a triangular cross-section in aplane cutting the panel orthogonal to the length and parallel to theheight.
 11. The blade insert of claim 9 wherein the lip joins theflexible panel at an angle equal or less than thirty degrees.
 12. Theblade insert of claim 9 wherein the lip extends to both sides of theflexible panel.